The Ali family spokesman Bob Gunnell said that two mystery speakers are going to be added to the current programme, meaning there will not be room for foreign dignitaries.

Mr Gunnell said both their offices were “gracious and understood”.

Mr Erdogan had been due to speak at the funeral as well as King Abdullah of JordanCredit:
Ozan Kose/AFP/Getty Images

He also said 15,000 people were expected to attend the service at the Yum! Centre, while 14,000 tickets will made be available to the public for the Jenazah, the Muslim funeral prayer.

Malcolm X's daughter Attalah Shabazz, Ali's wife Lonnie Ali, his eldest daughter Maryum and American actor Billy Crystal are also among the speakers.

The service for Ali will also include a 30-minute public Islamic service on Thursday led by Imam Zaid Shakir, a Muslim American scholar based in California. It will be held at Freedom Hall where Ali once fought.

Watch | Muhammad Ali: How the world paid tribute

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"Everything that we're doing here was blessed by Muhammad Ali, and was requested," Mr Gunnell said.

"He wanted the memorial service to reflect his life, and how he lived. He wanted everyone to be able to attend. He was the people's champ, and he wanted the memorial service to reflect that.

"We want this to be inclusive of everyone. That's why we set Freedom Hall - not just with its historical significance - but with the size of Freedom Hall, so that everyone fits in.

"That Muslims and people of all faiths could attend, and perhaps learn more and be like Muhammad Ali, and open their hearts to everybody.